Up North

We've only made it as far north as Grand Haven, Mich., which isn't really that far. Everyone raves about "Up north," as Michigan is truly a beautiful state.

So this weekend, we finally made the trip to Traverse City, still on the lower peninsula but up north, to visit our college friends Nate and Lindsay. They have two beautiful and sweet sons, Everest and Quinn, who happen to be just about the same ages as Brendan and Ryan. Their family moved to Traverse City last summer and we've been planning to visit ever since.

What a treat it was! Nate and Lindsay live in a house that literally has a ski slope out the backyard. We truly felt as if we were visiting a ski chalet with our private ski resort out back. If you've ever met Nate and Lindsay, then you know it doesn't take much to connect with them and feel as if you've known them your entire life. We are so fortunate to have them as friends!

The weekend was mostly filled with watching the kids play, gazing out the windows at the gorgeous view, and commenting on how it was snowing, again. We relived the old days with numerous stories. The kids played so well together, which made the weekend even easier. (Luckily, Nate -- and his two boys -- love Legos. So Brendan was in heaven!)

Ryan, Ken and Brendan with mounds of snow in the background

Ryan, Everest and Quinn are bundled up, ready for the snow. Ryan and Quinn, who are both 3, didn't last too long. It was in the single digits, with some blowing snow.

Ken was eager to hit the ski slopes and did so Saturday and Sunday. We debated sending Brendan out, but ultimately decided this wasn't the weekend. The weather was extremely cold, and we knew he'd need to commit a couple of hours to learning, rather than just a few minutes. Next time, we'll do it. Instead, though, he did enjoy tubing with Everest, Nate and Ken. I opted not to ski. Logistically, it's hard with little ones for everyone to get out and have fun. Again, perhaps next time. (Though I'd be learning with Brendan as I have never skiied before!)

Saturday night, after the kids were in bed, we hung out in the Noyes Tavern. Yes, they have quite the setup in their basement, complete with a bar built by Nate and various other accessories. Bored with the conversation? Play darts or challenge someone to Galaga. We enjoyed every minute of it.

Lindsay and I hang out in the Noyes Tavern. She beat me at darts, quite easily.

Sunday, Nate took the boys out for a very special treat. He gave them a tour of a Coast Guard helicopter. Wow! The boys were thrilled and loved pretending to be the pilot and to carry out rescue missions. I'll be hearing about this for weeks!

Brendan with the Coast Guard helicopter

Nate, Brendan, Everest, Ryan and Ken in front of one of the helicopters.

We're already looking forward to our next trip to Traverse City and to enjoying another weekend with our friends.